Exam-Oriented Revision Sheet: British TNCs & Globalization

1. 📌 Essentials

• Globalization: Increasing interconnectedness via flows of goods, capital, technology, and culture.
• TNCs: Companies operating in multiple countries to maximize profits and reduce costs.
• British TNCs: Major global players like BP, Shell, HSBC, Unilever, Vodafone.
• Historical legacy: UK’s empire and Commonwealth facilitated resource access and markets.
• Economic influence: Operations worldwide, FDI, supply chains, infrastructure.
• Cultural/technological impact: Spread of English, communication tech, Western consumer culture.
• **Environmental/social criticisms: Pollution, inequality, tax avoidance, weakening local economies.
• Supply chains: Raw materials from developing regions, manufacturing Asia, global sales.
• Employment: Millions of jobs, higher wages in some developing countries.
• Interdependence: Countries linked via sourcing, manufacturing, and trade.
• Overall impact: Economic growth, technological progress, cultural exchange, with challenges.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components